Here are the current NATEX shopping entitlements at the NAEW&C Force E-3A Component in Geilenkirchen and Wesel, Germany.
Whether you are purchasing rationed goods or non-rationed goods at NATEX, you are required to show proof of your entitlement (this includes Starbucks) in accordance with E-3A Order 9.2-3.
Who Can Shop with Us?
The component issues 3 different shopping cards to component members based on their entitlements:
- Green Shopping Card: Typically, all NATO military and civilian component members (except DEU nationals) and their dependents are given Green Shopping Cards*
- Yellow Shopping Card: Typically, German military and civilian component members and their dependents are given Yellow Shopping Cards*
- Red Shopping Card: Typically, Local Wage Rate personnel, Consultants, Contractor, Interns or Temporary Staff and DEU personnel at SanStaffel receive Red Shopping Cards (their dependents are not typically eligible)*
In addition to component members, NATO military or NATO civilian members stationed in Germany, and their dependents as well as any US military member stationed in Europe or North Africa are also eligible to shop at NATEX. Please review the above on Shopping Cards to understand your entitlements To show proof of your entitlement (if you don’t have a shopping card), you will need to provide the following:
- Military or NATO Civilian ID or Dependent ID
- Proof of your permanent station within Europe or North Africa (US only) – this can be in the form of your ration card, installation pass, etc. (a ration card is required in order to purchase rationed items)
If you are on temporary duties orders to the E-3A Component or any other location in Germany, you are eligible to shop at NATEX. You will be issued a temporary shopping permit by the Base Pass Office (building 1) or NATEX Retail Plus if the former is closed, which outlines your ration entitlements. With the exception of DEU nationals, you are typically entitled to Green Shopping Card privileges. (refer to above) To show proof of your entitlement, you will need to provide the following:
- Temporary Duty Orders
- Military or Civilian ID
There are some special situations that have not been covered in this general overview. If you are in doubt as to your shopping entitlements or ID required to shop at NATEX, please feel free to contact us directly at contactus@natex.de. We can then advise you about your specific entitlements.
British Forces Members Stationed at Paderborn Green shopping privileges:
- Rationed goods purchased cannot exceed the ration policy for the E-3A Component 200 cigarettes or 250gr. cigarette tobacco, 200gr. pipe tobacco, 100 cigarellos or 25 cigars per week – (purchase of these items will be marked on your ration card)
- Up to 6 litres of spirits (alcohol over 38% + whisky and gin are rationed) per month – (purchase of these items will be marked on your ration card)
- 2.5kg of coffee and 250gm of coffee extracts per month – (purchase of these items will be marked on your ration card)
- Required to show valid Military (or Civilian) ID + either a ration card or base pass to prove your eligibility
USA Forces stationed at S.H.A.P.E
- Required to show valid S.H.A.P.E ID in order to purchase unlimited non-rationed items and the following rationed items not to exceed their current entitlement (for personal use and consumption)
- 200 cigarettes or 250gr. cigarette tobacco, 200gr. pipe tobacco, 100 cigarellos or 25 cigars per week – (purchase of these items will be deducted from your rations)
- Up to 6 litres of spirits (alcohol over 38% + whisky and gin are rationed) per month – (purchase of these items will be deducted from your rations)
- 2.5kg of coffee and 250gm of coffee extracts per month – (purchase of these items will be marked on your ration card)
All NATO and US except DEU.
German Military.
Local, Contract & Temporary Staff.
Ration cards can be provided by a support unit or the Base, depending on nationality.
Ration Policy
E-3A Component Ration Items Policy Overview:
- 200 cigarettes or 250gr. cigarette tobacco
- 2.5kg of coffee and 250gm of coffee extracts per month (purchase of these items will be marked on your ration card)
- Spirits
For additional questions about Order 9.2-3, please contact OFC-LAO@e3a.nato.int